Tom is excited, he’s getting a new knee! Look, as you get older, the types of things you get excited about change. He will be capable of moving around more easily and will experience less pain with this knee replacement. So the surgery is a success and Tom goes home.
That’s when things take a turn.
Sadly, the healing process doesn’t go very well. An infection sets in, and Tom winds up back in the hospital for another knee surgery. It’s getting less exciting for Tom by the minute. The doctors and nurses have come to the conclusion that Tom wasn’t following their advice and instructions for recovery.
So here’s the thing: it isn’t that Tom didn’t want to follow those recovery instructions. Tom actually never even heard the instructions. Tom can take some comfort in the fact that he’s not alone: there’s a solid connection between hospital visits and hearing loss.
More hospital visits can be the consequence of hearing loss
By now, you’re most likely acquainted with the common disadvantages of hearing loss: you grow more withdrawn from your loved ones, you increase your risk of social separation, and have an increased danger of developing dementia. But we’re finally beginning to understand some of the less apparent disadvantages to hearing loss.
Increased emergency room trips is one of those relationships that’s becoming more evident. One study discovered that individuals with hearing loss have a 17% greater risk of requiring a visit to the emergency room and a 44% higher chance of readmission later.
Is there a link?
There are a couple of reasons why this might be.
- Neglected hearing loss can negatively affect your situational awareness. Anything from a stubbed toe to a car accident will be more likely to occur if you aren’t aware of your surroundings. Obviously, you could end up in the hospital because of this.
- Once you’re in the hospital, your possibility of readmission goes up significantly. Readmission occurs when you are released from the hospital, spend some time at home, and then have to go back to the hospital. Complications sometimes occur that result in this readmission. Readmission can also happen because the initial problem wasn’t properly managed or even from a new issue.
Increased risk of readmission
So why are individuals with untreated hearing loss more likely to be readmitted to the hospital? There are a couple of reasons for this:
- When your doctors and nurses give you instructions you may not hear them very well because of your untreated hearing loss. For example, if you can’t hear what your physical therapist is telling you to do, you will be unable to do your physical therapy treatment as well as you otherwise would. This can result in a longer recovery time while you’re in the hospital as well as a longer recovery once you’re discharged.
- Taking care of yourself after you get home will be practically impossible if you don’t hear the guidelines. You have a higher chance of reinjuring yourself if you’re not even aware that you didn’t hear the instructions.
Let’s say, for example, you’ve recently had surgery to replace your knee. Your surgeon may tell you not to shower for the next 3 weeks, but you hear 3 days instead. Now your wound is at risk of getting a severe infection (one that could land you back at the hospital).
Keeping track of your hearing aids
At first glimpse, the answer here may seem basic: just use your hearing aids! Regrettably, hearing loss often progresses very slowly, and those with hearing loss might not always realize they are experiencing symptoms. The solution here is to make an appointment for a hearing exam with us.
Even if you do have a pair of hearing aids (and you should), there’s another situation: you could lose them. It’s frequently a chaotic scene when you have to go in for a hospital stay. So the probability of losing your hearing aid is absolutely present. Knowing how to handle hearing aids during a hospital stay can help you remain engaged in your care.
Tips for bringing your hearing aids with you during a hospital stay
Knowing how to get ready for a hospital stay when you have hearing loss can prevent lots of headaches (and other discomfort) in the future. Here are a few basic things you can do:
- Communicate to hospital staff about your hearing loss. Miscommunication will be less likely if they are well notified about your situation.
- Don’t forget your case. It’s very important to have a case for your hearing aids. They will be able to be better taken care of that way.
- Be aware of your battery power. Keep your hearing aid charged and bring spares if needed.
- In a hospital setting, you should always advocate for yourself and ask your family to advocate for you.
- Whenever you can, use your hearing aids, and put them in their case when you’re not wearing them.
The key here is to communicate with the hospital at every stage. Your doctors and nurses need to be told about your hearing loss.
Hearing loss can cause health issues
So maybe it’s time to stop thinking of hearing health and your general wellness as two totally different things. After all, your hearing can have a considerable impact on your overall health. In a lot of ways, hearing loss is no different than a broken arm, in that each of these health problems calls for prompt treatment in order to prevent possible complications.
The ability to avoid Tom’s fate is in your hands. Keep your hearing aids close the next time you need to go in for a hospital stay.